The story of a baby born in humble surroundings in the dead of winter touches my heart. No matter where I am in my spiritual journey, this image always moves me.

It’s not where the baby is born that’s so remarkable. Much to our shame, in this world, babies are born in such surroundings and worse every day.

What is miraculous is the acknowledgement of this child’s worth by people of little power to those with much, all recognizing this child’s inherent value.

I know this story means different things to different people. I know it’s a cornerstone to Christianity.

As a trauma survivor, this story has its own message to me.

I believe every person carries within them their own Bethlehem, their own Silent Night. Within every person is a guiding star, an open heart that hears inspiration and the inner wisdom to follow it.

I know the path before those who are overcoming challenges, in whatever form they present themselves, can be long and arduous.

I am proud of you – no matter how sure your steps or how hesitant, I am proud of you as you walk your healing journey.

Many people run from the work before them. Others ridicule those who engage in it.

You could quit. There are times — days, weeks, months, years — when your heart is heavy with depression, almost paralyzed, when the pain is excruciating and you live your life as if every moment were a shallow labored breath of a dying person.

You could give in. But you don’t… even when you do, you don’t.

You could say, “the hell with it” and just pass your legacy of pain to the next generation as you had inherited it, and numb yourself out so that you wouldn’t care who judged you.

But you won’t — not without a fight.

Tonight, I invite you to unclench your fists and open your heart. I ask you to calm the screaming in your head and let it fill with blessed silence.

Then listen. There is a song… the SONG, that is telling your story, the one that weaves itself through so many melodies and harmonies, in stories and poetry, on dancers’ feet and sweeping strokes of color on open and willing canvases.

It’s the story of hope, of faith and redemption.

Let yourself notice the rising of that star, a light of hope, in your long dark night. Let yourself hear its message and then despite all the “why this won’t work” attempts to dissuade you in your head, follow its lead. Make that journey to your own tender heart.

The sacred is not lost. It’s just in a seemingly unlikely place. But not really. Because that place is within you.

Even as so many have closed their doors to their own humanity and locked them with disbelief, there is a star shining brightly, trying to catch your eye — trying to catch us all.

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About the Author

About the Author: Demian Yumei, author, singer/songwriter and artist activist, uses spoken, written word and original songs in her human rights activism. She's a long time traveler on the healing journey and has a lifelong love affair with the creative process. More from this author.

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